Single umbilical artery. A report of 159 cases

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Neonatology
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Single umbilical artery (SUA) is a condition where only two umbilical vessels are present instead of the usual three.
• The incidence, significance, and associated factors of SUA require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence, significance, and potential associations of single umbilical artery (SUA).
• To evaluate the mortality and congenital malformation rates in infants with SUA.
• To assess the utility of renal anomaly screening in infants with SUA.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of records for 56,919 infants born between 1966 and 1986.
• Analysis of infant outcomes, including stillbirth, neonatal death, birth weight, and gestational age.
• Examination of associations with maternal factors, placental anomalies, congenital malformations, and renal anomalies.

Main Results:

• 159 infants (0.28%) were diagnosed with SUA.
• SUA was associated with increased rates of stillbirth, neonatal death, low birth weight (mean 2.47 kg), and preterm birth (mean 35.9 weeks).
• Maternal conditions (diabetes, epilepsy, toxemia) and placental anomalies were frequently observed; 44.7% of infants had other congenital malformations, increasing mortality risk. Renal anomalies were detected in 18.5% of screened infants.

Conclusions:

• Single umbilical artery (SUA) is associated with significant perinatal complications and congenital malformations.
• Infants with SUA have a higher risk of adverse outcomes, necessitating careful monitoring.
• Routine renal ultrasonography is recommended for all infants diagnosed with SUA to detect potential renal anomalies.